Non-Surgical/ Med Spa
Body
Breast
Face
Male
Hand/Reconstruction
Breast Reduction Surgery in Pottsville, PA
Excessive breast enlargement, also known as macromastia, is a condition which affects many women. Neck, shoulder, back and breast pain, ‘grooving’ occurring in the shoulders from breast weight on bra straps and recurrent infections or irritation occurring in the folds beneath the breasts are just some of the symptoms that may result from breast enlargement. Some women may experience debilitating self-consciousness and embarrassment and wear bulky, loose-fitting blouses and sweat shirts to conceal their breast size. Still other women suffer from a limited exercise capacity and may even note difficulty with routine daily activities associated with breast enlargement. Regardless of the particular symptoms, these women will universally benefit from Breast Reduction Surgery (or Reduction Mammoplasty).
By removing excess breast tissue and skin in proper proportions, breast reduction surgery allows precise reestablishment of appropriate breast position, creating breasts which are smaller, firmer, uplifted and in enhanced proportion to the remainder of the body. Additionally, when appropriate, the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) can also be reduced in size and repositioned. Performed under general anesthesia in a State Licensed, Nationally Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center (see ‘about Keystone Surgery Center’), breast reduction surgery lasts approximately 3 hours and women are able to return home afterwards. Small drains placed at the time of surgery are removed 2-3 days later in the office and most women return to work in 1-2 weeks. Routine screening mammography may be resumed at about 6 months following this surgery.
Because breast reduction surgery is generally performed to relieve debilitating symptoms, it is considered ‘reconstructive’ in nature and therefore, may be a ‘covered’ procedure by most health insurance plans. However, criteria for coverage vary widely, usually require a formal written request letter (known as a ‘preauthorization letter’) and are generally contingent upon the removal of a certain critical minimum volume of breast tissue to be valid.
When considering breast reduction surgery, be sure to select a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). As a board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of clinical practice experience and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (The Mark of Distinction in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery® ASAPS), Dr. Robert Kimmel welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a happier, more confident lifestyle with a new sense of freedom in exercise capacity and clothing selection.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery generally involves making an incision along the nipples and then down toward the breast crease. This allows the removal of excess tissue and fat as well as the repositioning of the nipples if necessary.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery?
The breast reduction surgery is a procedure that can reduce the size of your breasts. It can also lift and reshape them if they are sagging. Women who undergo this procedure often feel happier with their appearance and have an improved quality of life. It can resolve chronic issues such as back, shoulder, and neck pain and the inability to participate in particular sports and activities where larger breasts can be uncomfortable. Patients also find their clothes fit better due to proper symmetry with their natural body shape and contours. Women who undergo breast reduction often wonder why they didn't have it done sooner and are enjoying a new lease on life!
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Reduction?
You might be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery if:
- Your breasts are large and heavy, causing physical discomfort or pain.
- The weight of your breasts causes chronic neck or back pain.
- The size of your breasts makes it difficult to participate in sports.
- Your breasts inhibit your ability to exercise comfortably.
- The weight of your breasts interferes with breathing or sleep patterns.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms and are interested in reducing the size of your breasts, talk to a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Robert M. Kimmel of Keystone Surgery Center in Pottsville and Hazelton, PA, about the different options available to you.
How Do I Prepare for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Before your surgery, your doctor will go over the details of the actual procedure with you, including how long it will take to recover and what activities you can expect to be able to do afterward. They will also give you specific instructions on preparing for surgery. This may include avoiding certain medications and supplements, quitting smoking, or following a special diet in the weeks leading up to surgery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover from a Breast Reduction?
Recovery time after breast reduction surgery depends on a number of specific factors, including the extent of the surgery and your overall health. You can expect to take about a week or two off from work, with gradual increases in activity over several weeks as you heal. Dr. Robert M. Kimmel of Keystone Surgery Center will provide specific instructions for recovery based on your individual circumstances to ensure that you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
Do Breasts Grow Back After Reduction Surgery?
You need to understand that breast reduction surgery is considered a permanent procedure. Once your breasts are reduced with this procedure, they will not grow back or increase in size afterward. However, depending on your age, weight gain or loss, and other factors, you may still see some changes in the shape and symmetry of your breasts over time.
What Are the Most Common Reasons People Have Breast Reduction Surgery?
Patients with larger breasts may experience several symptoms, including back pain. Because of this, many people seek out a breast reduction procedure to not only remedy the pain or imbalance but also to restore confidence and feel more comfortable in their bodies. Some of the most common reasons that patients have breast reduction surgery are:
- Unbalanced bodily proportions
- Chronic back pain
- Trouble exercising or being active due to large breasts
- Trouble fitting into comfortable clothing
- Experiencing asymmetry
- Self-conscious about the size of their breasts
Are There Any Risks With Breast Reduction Surgery?
Yes. Just like any other surgical procedure, breast reduction does come with several risks that patients should be aware of before committing to their surgery. These risks can include:
- Excessive bleeding from the surgical site
- Breast asymmetry
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Infection
- Chronic pain
- Skin discoloration
- Inability to fully breastfeed
- Scarring
- Blood clotting
At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center, board-certified Dr. Robert Kimmel draws from years of experience in cosmetic surgery to give patients a safe, comfortable, and efficient breast reduction procedure. Under his care, many patients need not worry about having to experience risks or side effects from surgery. As long as patients follow Dr. Kimmel’s aftercare guidelines, the most common side effects, such as swelling and pain, will slowly disappear after the recovery period. Any severe risks and side effects can be easily managed and avoided after surgery with Dr. Kimmel.
How Long Will The Results from My Breast Reduction Surgery Last?
Results from a breast reduction surgery are meant to be permanent. Once the desired breast size has been achieved, patients will be able to enjoy their results for a lifetime. Prioritizing a healthy diet and regular exercise will help patients maintain a stable weight, keeping their breast size from changing in appearance from weight gain or weight loss.
We are proud to serve patients from Scranton, Allentown, and Harrisburg.
THE OFFICE